After opening a new, six-court pickleball center earlier this year, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeing a boost in interest from the community.
Greg Albers, the vice president of marketing and communications, at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, said the response has been overwhelmingly positive from beginners excited to try the sport to seasoned players thrilled to have a high-quality, indoor facility since the center opened last month.
“Many members love how accessible and social pickleball is, and it has created an entirely new way for people to connect at the Y,” said Albers. “Our leagues and clinics have filled up quickly, and there’s been a noticeable increase in multi-generational play with families and friends enjoying the game together. It’s clear pickleball isn’t just a trend — it’s a community movement.”
The YMCA made the decision to create the center since the sport exploded in popularity. Albers said the Y also saw a huge demand from members for more space to play pickleball.
“As a YMCA, our mission is to provide opportunities for health, wellness and community engagement, and pickleball aligns perfectly with that,” said Albers. “The sport is inclusive, easy to learn and a great workout for all ages, making it a natural fit for our programming.”
He added the project became a reality thanks to strong community support, strategic planning and partnerships. As such, they were able to transform an existing area into a dynamic, high-quality pickleball space.
Pickleball Center Details
The new center is designed to be a premier destination for players of all skill levels. Featuring six regulation-size indoor courts, high-quality lighting and a dedicated professional playing surface for optimal ball response, the facility ensures a top-notch experience for recreational and competitive play. The Y also offers:
- Open play sessions for drop-in games.
- Clinics and lessons led by experienced instructors.
- Leagues and tournaments for those looking to compete.
- Court reservations for private groups and practice sessions.
- Social area for a welcoming environment.
Albers also said Y staff see the space becoming a long-term staple of their programming. In addition to daily open play and leagues, the Y plans to:
- Expand clinics and instructional programs to introduce more people to the game.
- Host larger tournaments and community events, bringing players together from across the region.
- Offer youth and senior-focused pickleball programs, ensuring all ages can benefit from the sport.
- Expand social mixers and corporate wellness events, using pickleball as a fun way to connect people.
Advice and Tips
For industry leaders considering advancing their center’s pickleball offerings, Albers said the sport is here to stay they should embrace it now.
“The demand for courts is skyrocketing, and adding pickleball to your facility can drive new memberships, increase engagement and create a vibrant community hub,” said Albers. “At the end of the day, pickleball is more than just a game — it’s an opportunity to build community, promote wellness and bring people together in an accessible and exciting way.”
Additional key tips from Albers include:
- Maximize existing space. Convert underutilized areas into pickleball courts is a cost-effective way to capitalize on the sport’s growth.
- Cater to all levels. Offer beginner clinics, open play and competitive leagues to ensure everyone feels welcome.
- Build a social culture. Pickleball thrives on community — host social events, tournaments and family play days to strengthen engagement.
- Stay ahead of the trend. The sport is evolving rapidly, so keeping up with new equipment, playing formats and trends will help maintain interest.
